Comparison Makita LS1219L vs DeWALT DWS780

Saw motor power in watts. For petrol tools (see "Power Source"), horsepower is additionally indicated, see below for details.

The higher the power, the better the tool is suitable for voluminous work and hard materials, the greater the depth of cut it can provide and the easier it can cope with significant loads. In addition, for different types of saws and different types of materials, the actual power values \u200b\u200bcan also be different. For example, a power of 2.5 – 3 kW is actually the limit for chain saws, but in chain saws this is an average figure, among such tools there are models of 3 – 4 kW and even more. Detailed selection recommendations for various cases can be found in special sources.

The maximum speed of the disk, provided by a saw of the appropriate design — disk, cut-off, etc. (see "Device").

Note that most of these saws use gearboxes, so that the blade revolutions are much lower than the engine revolutions (see above). This achieves an increase in torque, which in the case of saws is often more important than the high speed of the blade.

As for the specific number of revolutions, it is first of all worth noting that only saws with the same disc diameter can be compared according to this indicator. In these cases, higher speeds provide better performance, but the trade-off is reduced torque; such saws do better with relatively "light" materials. Conversely, low speeds reduce productivity, but allow the blade to effectively "bite" even into dense, stubborn workpieces. More specific recommendations regarding the choice of a saw according to the number of revolutions of the blade can be found in special sources.

The greatest depth of cut provided by the saw.

In most types of saws (see “Device”), the depth of cut directly depends on both the engine power and the size of the tyre / disk. The specifications give a value for the maximum allowable size of the working nozzle; when using nozzles of a smaller size, the depth of cut, respectively, will be less. But in band saws, this depth is rather weakly related to the actual length of the tape — it is determined primarily by the length of the open section of the tape, which is directly involved in the work.

Anyway, the greater depth of cut makes the tool more versatile, but comes at the cost of weight, price, and electricity/fuel consumption. So when choosing, it is worth considering the real features of the planned work and the dimensions of the workpieces that are planned to be cut. As for specific values, the most modest tools provide a depth of up to 50 mm ; 50 – 75 mm is considered a low indicator, 75 – 100 mm is average, 100 – 125 mm is above average, 125 – 150 mm is already quite an impressive thickness, and the most powerful modern saws can have a cutting depth of more than 150 mm.

Maximum cutting depth achieved when sawing at a 45° bevel.

This feature is indicated only for those models that are originally designed for sawing at an angle — for example, due to the special design of the attachment for the blade / blade (in stationary models, see "Type") or due to the inclined support platform (in manual) . The maximum angle of inclination of the saw in such models can be different (see below for more details), however, 45 ° is considered the standard option, so it is for this inclination that data on the depth of cut is given.

The general meaning of this parameter is quite obvious. On the one hand, a greater depth of cut allows you to cope with thicker workpieces and generally gives you more options; on the other hand, an increase in depth requires an increase in the size of the disk / canvas and an increase in power, which, accordingly, affects the price, dimensions and consumption of electricity / fuel.

The kerf width determines the maximum size of the cutting line, and therefore the maximum width of the workpiece that the saw can cut through in one go. The value of the kerf width depends primarily on the diameter of the saw blade. Additionally, the stroke of the broach mechanism should also be taken into account. Saws with a pulling mechanism provide a cut that exceeds the diameter of the cutting blade.

The maximum angle at which the working part of the saw can be tilted relative to the vertical. It can be indicated not only for stationary tools, but also for manual ones — in the event that the design provides for a support platform. It is worth paying attention to this parameter if you have to deal with oblique cuts: making such cuts by setting the saw to a certain angle is much more convenient than adjusting this angle manually.

Miter saws have a broach system, which, thanks to parallel rails, allows the saw blade to move relative to the desktop back and forth along the cut line. This facilitates work with workpieces of large width, but significantly affects the weight and dimensions of the entire structure. At the same time, the guides along which the rails move can be both frontal and rear. The first type makes the design more compact, since no elements stick out. The second type, at the expense of compactness, makes the design more reliable.

A function that starts the engine smoothly without a sudden jerk and gradually brings the tool up to working speed. It makes the start safer and more comfortable because the saw doesn't jerk in your hands at the moment of activation. In practice, soft start is convenient when you need to make a precise cut in mid-air, work in an awkward position, or simply better control the tool from the first seconds. Compared to models without such a function, the load on the hands, gearbox, and power network is lower. This is especially useful for powerful circular, reciprocating, and chain saws, where a sudden start is felt most strongly.

A feature that quickly stops the saw's attachment after releasing the button or trigger. Depending on the type of tool, this could be the blade, blade, or chain, which stops rotating noticeably faster than with a regular stop by inertia. Motor brake enhances safety because after finishing the cut, the working part doesn't spin for extra seconds. Compared to saws without a motor brake, the tool becomes more convenient for frequent short operations and hand position changes. In practice, this is especially useful for precise cuts, working on a workbench, and in situations where it's important to quickly put away the saw after cutting.